Izmir, Turkey and Ephesus

Today on Gonomad, we fly to the third largest city in Turkey.

Tucked in the glittering Aegean coast, the city is a gateway to the stunning Greek island of Chios and the wonders of the ancient world.

Please fasten your seatbelt because it's going to get a little bumpy as we make our way.

Our final approach to the windy city of Izmir, Turkey.

If you take a road trip through the Izmir region like our senior writer Qin Liang did, you'll notice many giant wind turbines slowly spinning their blades on along the highway.

According to a recent report, Izmir accounts for about 32% of the wind power of Turkey.

But this modern energy hub has a history that goes back thousands of years.

Izmir was once part of several ancient civilizations, including the Greek, Roman and the Ottoman Downtown Izmir can feel a little overwhelming when you first arrive with heavy traffic and vendors pushing their fruit and vegetable carts through the crowds.

But you'll quickly warm up to the charm of the chaos.

At many stalls you'll see dried red chili peppers hanging like stringy garlands.

This spice is commonly used in Turkish cuisine to add heat and deep smoky flavor.

There's always a street food cart selling simet, a ring shaped Turkish sesame bagel wrapped in wax paper that people grab on the go.

It's a go to snack, especially when you're on the move and want something quick and cheap in Izmir.

In the evening, head to Konak Square by the waterfront.

The square is always packed with crowds hanging around the fountains and the flocks of pigeons swooping overhead at the pier, Chin suggests.

If you see a street cart selling tavluklu pilaf, grab some this classic Turkish comfort food is made with tender shredded or chopped chicken and rice.

Y yum guaranteed.

Izmir has a well connected metro and train system.

People mainly come here to visit Ephesus, the famous ancient city of ruins.

Most people usually take tours, but you can do it yourself by taking the train to Selkuk and then catching a local bus to Ephesus.

Ephesus was originally an ancient Greek city but later came under the rule of the Romans.

Most of the ruins in Ephesus are very well preserved, especially the great massive stone amphitheater with semicircular seating rising and deep terraces cur around the center stage.

This theater was once used for plays, political gatherings and gladiator battles back in ancient Roman times.

The Library of Celsus is one of the world's most famous ancient libraries.

It was built to honor Tiberius Julius Celsus Polemnius, a former governor of the province of Asia.

You can still see the grand columns of the library today, and tucked between them are imposing statues that represent wisdom, goodness, thought and knowledge.

There's also an ancient communal toilet, a row of stone seats side by side that will spark your imagination, maybe make you cringe a little, and be thankful for how toilets have evolved into what they are today.

It's the perfect place for people to take hilarious vacation photos.

Nearby Ephesus, you can visit the House of the Virgin Mary.

It is a pilgrimage site believed to be the final home of Mary, the mother of Jesus.

Just a five minute drive from Ephesus is the Temple of Artemis, an ancient Greek temple dedicated to the goddess Artemis.

The temple was one of seven wonders of the ancient world.

From the city of Izmir, you can easily take a day trip to Disma, which is spelled C E S M E and Al Akatti.

The bus ride to Al Akatti takes a little over an hour.

From Izmir, Jin suggests going to Alakatti first, then Dhisma.

Both towns are just 20 minutes apart by bus.

Alakatti is a former Greek village crisscrossed with cobblestone lanes, stone houses and charming cafes.

Here, time seems to slow down and even slip back.

Occasionally you'll see a horse drawn carriage trotting along the cobblestones and you might raise an eyebrow and wonder, what year is it now?

Grab a seat at a cafe with outdoor seating and watch the world go by.

Sometimes a friendly stray dog might hop up beside you and snuggle close.

Don't be afraid of them.

Stray dogs around here are usually pretty calm and friendly with people.

Many of these dogs wear ear tags showing they've been neutered or spayed and vaccinated.

Locals and shop owners take good care of them, always leaving out food and water.

Some shop owners even let them stay inside their stores, similar to what happens in Istanbul with the cats.

Dysma is a gateway to the Greek island of Chios.

A short ferry ride from the Dysma waterfront will get you there.

You can spend a night or two exploring the medieval villages, countryside and beaches.

It's the island where resin from the mastic tree is harvested to make chewing gum.

What?

While at Dhisma waterfront, make sure you visit the Dysma Castle a 16th century fortress overlooking the Aegean.

In front of the fortress is a striking Statue of an 18th century Ottoman admiral standing next to a lion.

The story goes that the admiral rescued this lion during.

The story goes that the admiral rescued a lion cub during a naval expedition and raised it as his companion.

Whether you are a culture vulture, history buff, beach bum, or romance seeker, there's always something.

For Everett, there's always something to do and enjoy in the elegant city of Izmir, Turkey, under the Mediterranean sun.